So Shall We Live

by F.M.S.

What is our life-work, and how can we prepare for it? Every challenge we overcome gives us a lift in the right direction. And every selfish thought resisted, every lazy desire surrendered, is a step toward reaching our goal.

Edith’s lessons are like the ocean waves which steadily rise and fall, seeming to make no difference until their accumulation changes everything! When a great dark wave washes over her, turning her life upside down, she learns to rely on God’s help as He prepares her for the life-work that she is designed to do.

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1864

About the author

Frances Mary Synge (1842–1883)

Alternate Name(s): F. M. S. (pseudonym); Owen (married name); BTAO "Harry's Battles"

Biography: Frances Mary Synge was born on 16 April 1842 in County Wicklow, Ireland, the youngest child of John Synge. From a young age, she wrote fiction for S. P. C. K. and other publishers under her initials beginning with Willy's Lesson (1860). In 1870, she married the Rev. James Albert Owen, the headmaster of Cheltenham College. In later life, Synge wrote books on George Washington and John Keats. She died suddenly on 19 June 1883 in Cheltenham. Her entry in Boase neglects to list her fiction, but several obituaries note her young adult fiction.

Reviews

[Liesl Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first the plot line reminded me of Elsie Dinsmore (young girl living with strangers who often misunderstand and dislike her). However, the main character has a deeper and more relatable personality, with flaws such as selfishness and anger (which are addressed and overcome throughout the story).

The young motherless girl is dismayed when her father leaves for mission work in Africa, but learns that her heavenly Father has lessons for her in the mundane tasks and trials at home.

I was surprised at the well developed story, with many timeless bits of wisdom woven throughout . The joyful and heart-wrenching moments are well balanced.

Content considerations: high literary value, high moral value

[Chloe W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this Lamplighter, it reminded me in many ways of the Wide, Wide World. The theme of working unto the Lord in whatever circumstance and whatever work the Lord has given us was beautifully expressed and I really enjoyed seeing Edith grow in her faith. I will say the ending did not surprise me at all but that was OK - it was a good ending!

[Kaitlyn Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great read!! The Scriptures about learning life's lessons through whatever physical and spiritual events God brings us are encouraging and convicting.

[Kaitlyn]

Enjoyed this book so much! Gave me much to ponder and had a very intriguing plot line and was quite touching.

4.5 stars